Principal (Headteacher)

Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich is looking to appoint a new Principal. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to lead a flagship primary school in East Dulwich.  

The academy is based in purpose built accommodation and was opened 6 years ago to to meet the significant demand from Dulwich families for new primary places. It has consistently outperformed the national average since.

We are interested to hear from qualified Principals and Headteachers who are currently leading a school and have an extensive and successful background in school improvement. The post could also suit an aspiring senior leader looking for promotion into their first Principalship and want to join a highly collaborative Federation with a network of supportive executive leaders and mentors. We can be flexible on start date and will consider applicants who can start January 2021 or Easter 2021.

​​​​​​​About the role

The post would suit a senior leader who is looking to extend and develop their experience of headship, by leading an academy within a Multi Academy Trust that provides first-class support. We will also consider applications from aspiring Principals with extensive SLT experience who have the drive and ambition to start their first Principalship. We want to hear from leaders who have the leadership qualities and communication skills to continue the success of our academy, and lead a team of talented and dedicated staff. The successful applicant should have a strong track record of school improvement, and share the Harris Federation vision for transforming education in London. You will need to be an articulate and strong communicator with proven strengths in engaging, inspiring and motivating staff at all levels, and working with the local community.

For first time Principals, we will provide all of the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an experienced Harris Principal. For existing Headteachers, we offer unrivalled career progression progression opportunities, including to Executive Principalship if desired, and the option to support you through our National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme. The course draws on the leadership expertise of Harris executive leaders and Directors as well as other successful MATs from across the country. 

About Primary Education at Harris:

Primary education at Harris comprises 19 Primary and 3 all-through academies,  with every inspected academy has been judged Good or Outstanding (79% Outstanding). Some of these academies are new free schools, but most were previously failing schools located in challenging areas of London. You will join a highly collaborative network of Principals and work with a highly experienced central team.

Initial informal conversations about the position are welcomed. To arrange a call in confidence with Sabeena Hassan, Primary Director, please contact PAPrimaryDirector@harrisfederation.org.uk or call 0208 253 7777.  

About Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich

Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich opened in September 2014 as a two-form entry primary school and is now well established in the community, housed in our brand new modern, bright building and educating five year groups up to Year 4. Our academy is a warm, welcoming place to work and learn, situated right in the heart of East Dulwich, on the vibrant Lordship Lane. In May 2017, the academy was judged to be outstanding in all areas by Ofsted and in July 2017 was the first Free School in the country to achieve UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Award at Level 1.

Children lie at the heart of what we do at Harris Primary East Dulwich. We are a happy, ambitious and inclusive school, reflecting the rich diversity of families in our area. We were delighted in May 2017 when Ofsted judged us to be 'outstanding' in all areas. 

Our vision - Achieving Success Together - recognises the importance of the relationship between school and home in children’s development. Parents/carers are welcome as partners in their child’s education and there is a strong parent group who work hard to promote the school, raise funds and support learning.

We provide a vibrant learning environment which nurtures and supports children. Pupils are encouraged to be responsible for their learning, to grow in confidence and become independent. In recognition of the work in this area, the school received UNICEF's Rights Respecting School Award in 2017.

We offer an exciting and engaging curriculum where teachers and pupils work together to ensure high quality learning experiences that enable every pupil to achieve their very best. This includes well-structured lessons, and opportunities to learn to play a musical instrument, use new technologies, learn outside the classroom through engaging educational visits and learn away from home through high quality residential trips in KS2.

Next Steps

Please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your online application.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn without notice. Applications will only be considered if submitted online and before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Benefits Package

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package.

Find out more about Our Benefits 

Being a part of the Harris Federation

We are recognised as the top performing large multi-academy trust in England for primary and secondary education. Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission of Harris. Holding a reputation for bringing transformative approaches to education, we hold a unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Our people are at the heart of this success. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of training programmes available at every stage of your career.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

Learn more About Harris and our Vision and Values 

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

Read our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders 

Diversity and Equality

We are committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education.

Read our Diversity and Equality Notice